Tajul explains why Awami League leader Hanif faces ‘command responsibility’ charge

The chief prosecutor says Hanif had a role in party decision-making during July Uprising

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam has said Awami League leader Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif is facing a “command responsibility” charge for alleged crimes against humanity because of his “influential role” in the party’s decision-making.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, accepted the charges against the Awami League joint general secretary and three others.

The other suspects in the case are Sadar Uddin Khan, Kushtia district council chairman and Awami League president; Azgar Ali, the party’s district general secretary, and Ataur Rahman Ata, Sadar Upazila chairman.

Tajul said Hanif, as a “powerful” leader and core committee member, participated in decision-making at every party meeting.

“During the July Uprising, Hanif played a role in and supported the party’s decision to kill unarmed, innocent students and protesters,” he added. “When Obaidul Quader held a press conference saying the Awami League and its student wing, the [Bangladesh] Chhatra League, were enough to stop the students, Hanif was always present and helped carry out these actions. That is why he faces the charge of command responsibility.”

The chief prosecutor listed three charges against Hanif.

The first charge concerns Hanif’s presence at the meeting where Quader said “the Chhatra league was sufficient to suppress protesters”.

Hanif reportedly agreed with this statement and helped in the decision-making.

The second charge alleges that on Jul 29, 2024, he took part in a meeting in Kushtia where he “gave direct orders and conspired to kill student protesters”.

The third charge involves the “killing of six people” in Kushtia town during the July–August protests.

Tajul also said Hanif is currently on the run.

“Everyone must face justice. No one will evade trial, be given immunity, or survive by fleeing,” he said.

Declaring Hanif a “fugitive”, Tajul said: “Everyone will have to face trial. No one will get away, no one will be given indemnity, and no one can hope to escape justice by going into hiding.”